The word catechumenate means "time of serious study" and inquirers who become catechumens -- those who have not been baptized join us at Sunday Mass during the Liturgy of the Word, after which they move to the Guadalupe Room to continue reflecting on the Scriptures. The length of the catechumenate varies according to individual need. The norm is a year or more.

Our catechumens do not travel alone during this period. Godparents or Sponsors are chosen from the parish community to act as spiritual companions, providing personal support, sharing experience of Christian life and helping make the catechumens and candidates feel "at home" with Catholic religious practice.

The catechumenate period ends when a catechumen is ready to begin the third period of the journey, the period of purification and enlightenment, which coincides with Lent each year. On the first Sunday of Lent, catechumens travel to the Cathedral to celebrate the second major rite of the RCIA process, the Rite of Election, while candidates receive the Call to Continuing Conversion.